Portable power supply with selector valve



March 12, 1968 E. coLoslMo 3,372,621

PORTABLE POWER SUPPLY WITH SELECTOR VALVE Filed April 5, 1966 /4 l /07 ///4/f42' ZJ? $7/ j Z ll-J i i #E 4]/ Lrg fg J 4J-j d///' L 42 Vflf INVENTOR. 0l/Z5 I 6070s z 7770 United States Patent Oli ice 3,312,621 Patented Mar. 12, 1968 3,372,621 PORTABLE POWER SUPPLY WITH SELECTOR VALVE Louis E. Colosimo, Macomb, Mich., assigner'v to Huck Manufacturing Company, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Filed Apr. S, 1966, Ser. No. 540,392

10 Claims. (Cl. 91-36) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Apparatus for use with tools actuated from a common source of fluid pressure permitting actuation of only one tool at a time.

v The present invention relates to fluid actuated apparatus and more particularly to apparatus for use with hydraulically actuated tools for setting rivets such as lockbolts or the like. Y

In many applications rivets, such as lockbolts, are set by means of hydraulically actuated tools in situations in which a source of hydraulic power is not readily available. In such applications a portable power supply is normally utilized. These hydraulically actuated tools contain a pull piston which is actuated by iluid pressure in one direction to Vset the rivet and isactuated in an opposite direction by means of fluid pressure to cause ejection of rivet from the tool as well as the return of the pull piston to its original position in readiness to accept a next fastener to be set. In one type of remote power supply an actuating valve of the type shown in the United States Patent lto Van Hecke No. 3,001,548 is used and operates in conjunction with thevtool such that in one position of the actuating valve thehigh pressure side of the source is connected to the pull side of the piston to cause setting of the fastener and the return end of the piston is connected to the low pressure return side of the source. In the` other position of the actuating valve the high, pressure side of the source is connected to the returnside of the-,piston and the pull side of the piston is connected vtothe low pressure return side of the source whereby the piston is returned to its original position. This actuation valve and power supply are used with a single tool. However, in many applications it is desirable that more'than one tool be utilized; in order to obviate i the need for a separate portable power supply and actuating valve for each tool, it is desirabler that several tools be operated from the single power supply. Therefore, it is an' object of the present invention toprovide a portable power supply.. for use with lluid actuated apparatus wherebyl more than one such apparatus can be utilized with the single power supply.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable power supply for use with hydraulically actuated ,tools for setting fasteners in which lmore than onesuchv tool can be operated from the portable power supply. l

"It is still another object of the present invention to provide apparatus for use with a portable power supply having an actuating valve of the above described type whereby more than one tool can be operated from the same power lsupply and valve.

It is important that the actuating valve lof the above described ltype be controlled by the operation of only a single tool at any one time. Thus, the p ull and return strokes of the then actuated tool must be complete before the actuating valve is capable of actuation by a second tool. In the present invention an in-phase relationship is always maintained between the tool presently being actuated and the actuating valve in the power supply andv aV second tool cannot be actuated until completion of the tirst tool-s operating cycle. Therefore, it-is an.

object of the present invention to provide novel apparatus for use with a power supply and actuating valve of the above described type whereby a plurality of tools can be operated from the portable power supply and whereby the actuating valve will be actuated by only one tool at a time.

It is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus for use with a plurality of hydraulically actuated tools for setting rivets which tools can be connected for operation to a single power supply, with the apparatus permitting only one tool to be actuated at a time.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE l is a hydraulic schematic diagram of apparatus of the present invention; and

FIGURE 2 is an electrical schematic diagram of apparatus of the present invention.

Looking now to the present invention, a pair of hydraulically acted tools 10 and 12 are generally, diagrammatically shown with the tool 10 having a pull piston 14 in a cylinder 16 and with the tool 12 having a pull piston 1-8 in a cylinder 20. The tools 10 and 12 are used in conjunction with a portable power supply shown in block form and generally indicated by the numeral 22, which includes an actuating valve 24 which is of the type shown in the patent to Van Hecke, supra. The portable` power supply 22 has a high pressure outlet side 23 and a low pressure return side 25.

Connected to the actuating valve 24 is a hydraulic pull pressure line 26 and a return pressure line 28. The actuating valve 24 is operative with the pull pressure line 26 and power supply 22 such that when one of the tools 1t) or 12 is actuated in a pull condition, i.e., in which the pressure is applied to the rod end of the pistons 14 or 18, the high pressure side 23 of the supply 22 is connected through the actuating valve 24 through the pull pressure line 26 to the rod of pistons 14 or 18 and the low pressure side 25 of the supply 22 is connected to the return line 28 whereby fluid from the head end of the pistons 14 or 1S is returned to tank in the power supply 22. In the second position of the actuating valve 24, the actuated one of the tools 10 or-12 is being returned with the high pressure side 23 of the supply 22 being connected to the head end of the pistons 14 or 18 v ia the returnpressure line 28 with the fluid being returned from the rod end of the pistons 14 or 1S via the pull pressure line 26V.

More specifically, looking to FIGURE l, the return pressure line 28 from the valve 24 is connected to the head end of the cylinders 116 and 20 by means of fluid lines 30 and 32, respectively. The pull pressure line 26,

however, is connected to the rod end of the cylinder 16' by a fluid line 34 to the inlet of a solenoid actuated valve 36 and a fluid line 33 which is connected to the outlet of the solenoid actuated valve 36. In a similar manner the line 26 is connected to the rod end of cylinder 20 by a fluid line 4U, which is connected to the inlet of a solenoid actuated valve 42 and a uid line 44 which is connected to the outlet of the valve 42. A pair of check valves 46 and 48 are operative with the two circuits from trical switches on the tools and 12, respectively, and are normally closed as shown. In operation, upon actuation of the tool l10, the solenoid lvalve 36 is energized moving it to an open position. At the same time the actuating valve 24 is energized (in a manner to be more fully described) -to connect the high pressure side of the source 22 to the pull pressure line 26 and to connect the return pressure line 28 to tank in the power `supply 22 via the low pressure return side 25. In this condition uid pressure from the high side 23 of p-ower supply 22 is transmitted through line 34 through the now opened path through the solenoid valve 36, through the fluid line 38 to the rod end of the cylinder 16 of the tool 10 thereby causing the piston 14 to be moved rearwardly to cause setting of the fastener then being applied. At the same time the head end of the cylinder 16 is connected through the low pressure side 25 to tank in the supply 22 via the diuid line 30, the return pressure line 28 and the actuating valve 24. Note that at this time the solenoid valve 42 connected with the tool 12 is in an open condition and, hence, the tool 12 will not be actuated. Upon release of the trigger of the tool 10, the actuating valve 24 is moved to its alternate condition in which the high pressure side 23 of the supply 22 is connected to the return pressure line 28 and the pull pressure line 26 is then connected to tank via the low Ipressure side 25 of the power supply 22. In this condition, the high pressure at line 28 is applied to the head end of the cylinder 16 of lthe tool 10 via the line 30 thereby causing movement of the piston 14 to its original position to ready itself f-or the acceptance of another fastener to -be set. At the same time the rod end of the cylinder 16 is connected to tank in the power supply 22 via the line 38, the line 50, the check valve 46, and the iiuid lines 52, 54, 40, and 2-6. Note that with the release of the trigger of the tool 10 the solen-oid valve 36 is deactivated and will then be in its closed position aS shown. The operation of the tool 12 is in a similar manner.

As previously noted, that with the two tools 10 and 12 connected to the power supply 22,`it is important that once the operating cycle of tool 10 has been initiated by actuation of valve 24 that actuation of tool 12 be prevented until completion of the operating cycle of the tool 10, i.e., both the pulling and return strokes of the piston 14. Likewise, the actuation of valve 24 cannot be effected via tool 12 until the completion of the operating cycle of tool 10. In other words, since the actuation of the tools 10, A12 is caused by the operation of the actuating valve 24, this operation must be in phase with the operating cycle of the tools 10 and 12. The electrical circuit-ry of FIGURE 2, -in conjunction with the hydraulic circuit of FIGURE 1 provides that only one tool at a time can be actuated.

The circuitry shown in |FIGURE 2 is energized from a source of alternating potential by means of a pair of electrical lines 58 and 60. An electrical switch S1 is connected with the tool 10 and would normally be located upon the handle thereof and is ser-ially connected with the normally closed contacts TD2 of a time delay relay having an actuating coil TC2 (located in a different portion of the circuit). The switch S1 and the normally closed contacts TD2 are serially connected to an actuating coil Ca of a relay having a first set of normally open contacts Cal, a second set of normally closed contacts Ca2, and a third set of normally opened contacts Ca3. The :series circuit including the switch S1, the contacts TD2 and the relay coil Ca has one end connected to the conductor 60 and has its other end connected to the conductor 58 via a circuit breaker B1. In a similar fashion switch S2, which is connected to the second tool 12, is in series with normally closed contacts FHD1 of a time delay relay having an actuating coil TC1 (in a different part of the circuit) and an actuating coil Cb of a relay having a tirst set of normally opened contacts Cbl, a second set of normally closed contacts Cb2, and a third set of normally opened contacts Cb3.

The normally closed contacts Ca2 and the time delay relay coil TCI are serially connected and are connected across the lines 58 and 60 via the circuit breaker B1; similarly, the normally closed contacts Cb2 and the time delay lrelay coil TC2 are serially connected and are connected across the conduct-ors 58 and 60 via the circuit breaker B1. The normally open contacts Cal are connected in a series circuit with the actuating coil 36a of the solenoid actuating valve 36, with that series circuit connecte-d across the lines 58 and 60 via circuit breaker B2. `In a similar fashion, the normally open contacts Cbl are connected in series with the solenoid coil 42a for the solenoid valve 42 with that series circuit being similarly connected cross the lines 58 and 60 via the circuit breaker B2. The time delay relay having actuating coils TC1 and TC2 can be of the air dash pot type or some other type whereby upon deenergization of the associated actuating coi'l, i.e., TCI or TC2, the normally closed contacts TD1 or TD2 are opened and are closed upon energization of the associated one of the coils TCI or TC2. However, the time delay apparatus is such that upon energization of the coils TCI or TC2 the associated contacts TD1 or TD2 will not be closed immediately but will be maintained open for a selected time interval.

Considering FIGURES 1 and 2 together, when it is dcsired to actuate the tool 10, for example, the associated trigger switch S1 is closed and, with the time delay relay contacts TD2 closed the relay coil Ca is energized. The valve 24 is solenoid actuated and has an actuating coil Cc which can be connected to a source of alternating potential 62 via the contacts `Cav3 and Cb3 which are connected in parallel. The switch S1 is operative with the actuating valve 24 in a manner similar to that shown in the patent to Van Hecke, supra. Upon energization of the relay coil Ca the normally open contacts Ca3 in the circuit of the solenoid actuated, actuating valve 24 are closed energizing the coil Cc and placing the valve 24 in its actuated condition in which the high pressure side 23 of supply 22 is connected to the pull pressure lin'e 26 and the low pressure side 25 is connected to the return pressure line 28. A-t the same time, vthe normally open contacts Cal are closed providing energization for solenoid coil 36a for the valve 316 thereby opening the valve 36 yand resulting in pressurization of the rod end of the cylinder 16 of the tool 10. Note that upon actuation of the trigger S1 and energization of the relay coil Ca, the normally closed contacts Ca2 are opened thereby deenergizing the time delay relay coil TCI. When this occurs the normally closed contacts TD1 are immediately opened. In this condition closing of the switch S2 will be ineffective to energize the tool 12 or' to operate on valve 24. Upon movement of the piston 14 to its rearwardmost position and upon setting of the fastener, it is normal that the trigger switch S1 be yreleased by the operator. In this condition the relay coil Ca lis deenergized and the contacts Cal will be again opened thereby deenergizing the solenoid coil 36a of the valve 36 closingthat fluid circuit through valve 36 and hence, removing the high pressure from the rod end of the cylinder 16 of the tool 10. At the same time the contacts Ca2 will again be closed thereby permitting electrical energization of the time delay relay coil TCI. Also, the contacts Ca3 will again be opened thereby deenergizing the solenoid coil Cc whereby the valve 24 is returned to its original condition in which the high pressure is applied to the return pressure line 28 with the pull pressure line 26 being connected to tank resulting in the return of the piston 14 of the tool 10 in the manner previously described. Even though the contacts Ca2 have been closed, however, and the time delay relay coil TC1 has been energized, the contacts TD1 are still maintained opened for .a preselected time interval. This interval is selected to be of a duration suficient to permit the .return of ythe piston 14 to its forwardmost position in readiness for a second cycle. During this time delay period, closing of the switch S2 will still be ineiTective to cause actuation of the valve 24, and, hence, ineffective to cause actuation yof. the tool 12. After the selected time has passed, the contacts TD1 will be closed. At this time, upon closing the switch S2, the relay coil Cb will be energized closing the normally open contacts Cb3 and, hence, shifting the actuating valve 24 to its actuated position whereby the high pressure is applied to the pull pressure line 26 and the return pressure line 28 is connected to tank in the power supply 22. At the same time the normally open contacts Cbll are then closed and the solenoid co-il 42a is energized resulting in the solenoid valve 42 opening whereby the high pressure is applied to the rod end of the cylinder of the tool 12. At the same time the normally closed contacts Cb2 will be opened causing deenergization of the time delay relay coil TCZ resulting in the opening of the contacts TD2 in the circuit of the switch S11. Thus with the circuit in this condition closing of the switch S1 will not result in energization of any circuitry, electrical or hydraulic and, hence, will not result in any change in position of the control valve 24 or actuation .of tool 10. Upon release or opening of the trigger switch S2 the relay coil Cb is deenergized resulting in the opening of the contacts Cb3 and the -deenergization of solenoi-d coil Cc whereby the valve 24 is returned to its original position. At this time the high pressure from the power supply 22 is applied to the return pressure line 28 and the pull pressure line 26 is connected to tank -resulting in the return of the piston 18 of the tool 12 to its forwardmost position in readiness for the acceptance of another fastener. At the same time, the contacts Cbl have been opened and the coil 42a for the solenoid va'lve 42 has been deenergized resulting in the closing of the circuit through valve 42. With the deenergization of the relay coil Cb, ythe contacts Cb2 are closed thereby permitting energization of the time delay relay coil TC2; however, the associated contacts TD2 are maintained open for the preselected time delay and, hence, during this period cl-osing of the switch S1 will still be ineffective to actuate any of the circuitry electrical or hydraulic.

With the above described apparatus, a plurality of tools can be connected to a single power supply operated by a valve, such as valve 24, and -the work cycle of the selected one of the tools will be initiated and completed prior to energization of any ofthe other tools and prior to reac-tuation of the control valve 24 Avia the apparatus of the other tools.

While it will be apparent that the preferre-d embodiment of .the invention disclosed is well calculated to fulll the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modication, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a source of hydraulic power apparatus for controlling the operation of a plurality of tools having hydraulically actuated pistons having a two stroke cycle, said apparatus comprising each of a plurality orf circuit means for each of the tools for connecting the piston of said each of the tools to the source and actuable for energizing the piston of said each of said tools through its cycle, and each of a plurality of control means for said each of the tools connected -t-o said each of said circuit means Lfor said each of the tools and being selectively actuable for actuating said each of said circuit means, each of said plurality of control means including blocking means connected to the remainder of said plurality of control means for preventing actuation of said remainder of said control means responsively to actuation of said each of said control means.

2. The combination of claim 1 with said blocking means operative for preventing actuation of said remain-der of said control means for at least one complete cycle of said each of said tools.

3. The combination of claim 1 with said blocking means operative for preventing actuation of said remainder of said control means during the cycle of said each of said tools.

4. The combination of claim 1 with the two stroke cycle including a work stroke and a return stroke said each yof said control means being actuable to one condition for connecting the source of said each of said fluid circuit means for moving the piston of said each of said t-ools in the work stroke and actuable to a second condition for connecting the source and said each of said lluid circuit means for moving the piston of said each of said tools in the return stroke, said blocking means preventing actuation of said remainder of said control means with said each of said control means in said rst condition and preventing actuation of said remainder of said control means for a preselected time interval after actuation of said control means to said second condition.

5. The combination of claim 4 with said time interval having a duration at least equal to the time for the return stroke of said remainder of said tools.

6. The combination of claim 1 with said source having a high pressure outlet and a low pressure return and, said control circuit means comprising a control valve actuable to rst and second conditions and having iirst and second outlets connected to said high pressure outlet and low pressure return, respectively, with said control valve in said first condition and with said first and second outlets connected to said low pres-sure return and high pressure outlet, respectively, with said control valve in said second condition, said each of said circuit means comprising first and second iluid paths connected to opposite ends of -the piston of said each of said tools and to a diiferent one of said first and second outlets of said control val-ve, said each of said circuit means further comprising a valve member in one of said lluid paths with said valve member, normally closing said one of said liuid -paths and being actuable to open said one of said Ifluid paths, said each of said control means being connected to said control valve and to said valve member and selectively actuable for actuating said control valve and said valve member.

7. The combination of claim 6 with the piston for said each of said tools having a head end and a rod end, said iirst 4iluid path connected between the rod end of the pist-on and said secon-d outlet and with said second lluid path connected between the head end of the piston and said `first outlet, and with said one of said iluid paths being said iirst fluid path.

'8. The combination of claim 7 with said valve member being a solenoid actuated Valve and with said each of said control means including an electrical switch and with said blocking means compri-sing `a time delay relay having contacts serially connected with said switch for for each of said control means.

9. The combination of claim 8 with said blocking means operative for preventing actuation of said remainder of said control means for at least one complete cycle of said each of said tools.

`10. The combination of claim 8 with said blocking means operative for preventing actuation of said remainder of said control means during the cycle of said each of said control means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS EDGAR W. GEOGHEGAN, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,372,621 March l2 1968 Louis E. Colosmo It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 6, line 65, for "control means" read tools Signed and sealed this 29th day of July 1969.

(SEAL) Attest:

WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR.

Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer 

